Pardon My Bias

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)

Last Week Ranking: 5

The Steelers have truly shocked me so far this season. They’ve gone through 3 QBs their first 3 games, and bring in another one next week – Big Ben. What the Steelers defense has done so far is nothing short of remarkable. Having Super Bowl hopes should not be doubted from this savvy veteran crew.

Peyton is in control, photo courtesy of http://helmet2helmet.net

2. Indianapolis Colts (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 4

The Colts took care of the Broncos on the road in what was labeled to be offensive slugfest. Austin Collie is coming along nicely finishing with 171 yards, more than any other receiver in week 3.

3. New Orleans Saints (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 1

The Saints took a tough loss at home to division rivals Atlanta Falcons this week, but I’m not going to kill the Saints just yet. Primary concern is the kicker Garret Hartley who missed the FG in OT that would have won the game for the Saints. Hartley showed some troubles in week 1 as well.  I look for the Saints to bounce back at home next week against Carolina.

4. New York Jets (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 6

The Jets showed a lot in a gutsy victory against a divisional team on the road. Sanchez is coming into his own throwing 3 TDs, and more importantly not turning the ball over. It’s easy to hate on the Jets, but they got one hell of a team. LT looks absolutely rejuvenated.

5. Atlanta Falcons (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 13

The Falcons proved that they are truly a contender after a week 1 debacle. Going into New Orleans and coming out with the win is no easy task. Atlanta has to continue to win games they’re supposed to and we should be set for an epic rematch with the Saints week 16.

6. Chicago Bears (3-0)

Last Week Ranking: 12

Yeah, you read it right; it’s DA BEARS at number 6. Am I still skeptical? You’re damn right I am, but beating a division rival on Monday Night and Dallas last week puts you right up here. One of three teams still undefeated. The Bears got another test Sunday night on the road against the G-men.

7. Green Bay Packers (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 2

The Packers lost a tough game on the road on Monday night against a division rival. The Bears are no joke either. Don’t forget that Ryan Grant wasn’t playing either. I still like the Packers.

Boldin caught 3 TDs last week, photo courtesy of http://www.baltimoresun.com

8. Baltimore Ravens (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 10

Hello Anquan Boldin, welcome to Baltimore. Boldin had a huge game in the home opener catching 3 TDs from Flacco. B’more gets a real test next week going into Pittsburgh. The NFL gave the Ravens no breaks in the beginning of the season when it came to scheduling.

9. New England Patriots (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 7

Patriots are putting up more points than any other team in the league. It will be interesting to see if they can get the road monkey of their backs on Monday Night as they go into Miami.

10. Houston Texans (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 3

Don’t jump off the Texans just yet. They are still a great offensive team that got beat by a desperate and hungry Cowboys team. Next week they go into Oakland to face another hungry and desperate Raiders team. These are the type of games that the Texans can’t sleep on if they want to be a contender in January.

11. Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 9

You would think that the offense would be killing it by now with Batman and Robin, but it’s actually the defense that is getting that job done for the Bengals. That offense will have to show up at some time though. Wake up Mr. Palmer.

12. Miami Dolphins (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 8

The Dolphins almost crawled their way back into the game against the Jets which was a positive sign. Miami has another big test against another division foe Monday night with the Patriots coming into town. This game will really help determine which two teams are the real contenders for the AFC East.

13. Kansas City Chiefs (3-0)

Last Week Ranking: 15

The Kansas City Chiefs might just mess around and find themselves in playoff contention in a division that is so far horrible. Dexter McCluster is the real deal. Next week is a bye week for the Chiefs, which may hurt a team that is on fire and really believes in themselves.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 17

That Michael Vick to DeSean Jackson connection is looking deadly. Week 2 the duo paired up for 135 yards and a TD and last week for 153 yards and a TD. It’s hot right now in the Ill-a-delph. Whispers of NFC East champs could soon become shouts.

15. Tennessee Titans (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 18

Yeah that defense is legit. If you don’t know the name by now, learn it: Courtland Finnegan. They are making even Vince Young look good. Home game against the Broncos coming up which they should win.

16. Seattle Seahawks (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 26

The Seahawks are 2-1 through 3? Yeah, I didn’t see that coming either. Looks like this group is buying into what Carroll is selling. Detroit is on hold right now on line 3, they want to know where this Mike Williams was when they drafted him.

17. Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 23

Well it’s about time. Atleast the Cowboys kept some faith from the great state of Texas by beating up on their little ones. Let’s see if this little smoke turns into a fire. Next week is a much needed bye.

18. San Diego Chargers (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 11

This could be Norv’s last hurrah if they keep this up, which history says they will. Signs all over San Diego : “WANTED – VINCENT JACKSON.” Common Chargers fans, you know you need him. Get that “GM” of yours to make something happen, or at least trade him for something before the season slips out of your hands.

19. Minnesota Vikings (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 24

Does any team need a bye week more than the Vikings? Does Favre just need some more Mississippi gumbo to get the old engine running? He better do what it takes in this week off because the next game on the calendar is a Monday night matchup in the Meadowlands against the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

20. Washington Redskins (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 16

Losing to the Rams is just not good. McNabb is not playing bad, but the rest of the team really needs to get going. We also get the homecoming trip to Philly next week, should be interesting.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 14

Tampa got rolled on by the Steelers defense, just like all other teams who have faced them so far have. Tampa has a bye week coming up where they can re-evaluate some things and continue to do what has worked for them so far.

22. Arizona Cardinals (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 22

The Cards got themselves an ugly win in Oakland. Wins like this will keep them in their division at this point. I don’t see any continuing success in the future though.

23. Denver Broncos (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 21

That ground game has to show up for the Broncos. Through 3 games, they are ranked 30^th in rushing. They visit Tennessee next week which could be a big win if the Broncos can pull it off.

24. New York Giants (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 20

In my preseason previews I said the Giants were in trouble, and Tom Coughlin was on the hot seat. I got a lot of criticism from Giants fans for saying that. Do you believe me now?

25. St. Louis Rams (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 30

Like I said last week, the Rams are competing. That spirit got them the 30 points for the win over Washington this week. I’m slightly concerned with Steven Jackson’s groin pull.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 27

The Jags picked up Trent Edwards off the waivers. I don’t see it making too much of a difference.

27. San Francisco 49ers (0-3)

Last Week Ranking: 19

Shocked to say the least. Who saw an 0-4 start coming for the Niners, no way they will beat the Falcons this week.

28. Oakland Raiders (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 25

The Raiders really let one get away from them in Arizona last week. Those are the games they have to win if they want people to not look at them as the shame of the league.

29. Carolina Panthers (0-3)

Last Week Ranking: 29

Bring on the defending champs this week, yikes.

30. Detroit Lions (0-3)

Last Week Ranking: 28

So close, yet so far. Frustration setting in.

31. Cleveland Browns (0-3)

Last Week Ranking: 32

Three tough losses in a row. Just another one of those seasons.

32. Buffalo Bills (0-3)

Last Week Ranking: 31

Can we just blow it up and start over?

Photo courtesy of http://www.seedol.com

Alabama traveled to Fayetteville, Arkansas and got a big SEC road victory over the no. 10 ranked Arkansas Razorbacks last week. It was one of those statement wins that you look back at and say this is where the magic began brewing in a championship year. The defending champs looked good, and they looked like they were ready for another title shot.

Mark Ingram looked like he was back to normal with 24 touches for 157 yards and 2 TDs. Backup Richardson came in with 85 yards of his own. Greg McElroy managed the game enough to pull out the win with somewhat unimpressive numbers. His counterpart Ryan Mallett who the hogs were counting on for a big game started off well, but the 4^th quarter became a nightmare. Mallett who was off to a Heisman caliber season was picked off three times, twice by Lester, and once by Kirpatrick.

The Crimson Tide entered the 4^th quarter down 20-14 and on the ropes on the road. Just like all of last season, the Tide were able to count on their defense to get the job done. Alabama sat on the clock for the entire quarter on their two drives. The first drive went 16 plays, 66 yards for a 36 yard FG but took up 6 minutes. The second drive took 3:18 with 3 plays for 12 yards ending in an Ingram TD.

Alabama certainly has a challenging schedule remaining. They host Florida next week, followed by a trip to South Carolina the week after who is coming off a tough loss to Auburn. In November the Tide will have to go down to LSU and finish the season with Auburn, both who are ranked as well. This first win was against a good opponent was a good sign for another strong season.

As you can see, the SEC is completely stacked, and by far the best conference in the country. I hope even if the Crimson Tide suffer a loss, they do still have a shot at the title game. Like my colleague Bharath said in an earlier post, a team like Boise St. (as much as I like them) doesn’t deserve a spot in the national championship game when they’ve struggled with bubble teams like Virginia Tech and Oregon State.

A lot of hype but now its time to get down to business for the Heat.

MIAMI, FL

I don’t know if any of you guys have watched footage of the Miami Heat’s first two days of training camp (Check ESPN and Heat.com if you are curious)…but if you are seeing what I am seeing then the rest of the league outside of maybe LA and Boston may need to take some mental notes of their own.

First thing to note, it is clear that LeBron James is pissed off about all of us hating on his “decision”, legacy, competitive fire, etc.. It is clear that this new found hatred was what he needed to become “all about business” as he likes to put it. As difficult as it is to imagine that players need extra motivation to strive to get the most out of their talent; this is clearly the case with LeBron. From the clips I have seen, he has put his stamp on the team already vocally during their intense defensive practices.

Second thing to note, with LeBron and D. Wade on the floor, the Miami Heat could become a lock down defensive team that may not allow teams to break 70 points. Both these players are excellent on-ball defenders when they want to be and should be able to create easy transition points that will put them well ahead of the league in fast breaks dunks and alley-oops.

Third thing to keep in mind, this team is fueled by the hatred, scrutiny, and the golden opportunity presented before them. Players like Carlos Arroyo,  Zydrunas Illgauskas, Mike Miller, Jamaal Magloire and Juwan Howard know that this will be the best opportunity they ever have to win it all. Don’t underestimate Eddie House and his newly slimmed down frame and attitude as he recently stated his desire to prove that he should never have been traded by Boston.

Finally, LeBron will get to thrive in a role that might have been more suited for him than being the primary scorer as well as playmaker. He will just have to be the primary playmaker (in my opinion) on this team and get to do his best Magic Johnson imitation. The prospect of him being able to possibly average a triple-double this year is very realistic with Dwyane Wade being the scoring machine on the wing and multiple shooters around him in Jones, Miller, and House.

While the one question mark still remains what they will have at the 5 (they should have signed Erick Dampier for insurance in my opinion) with Howard, Haslem, Magloire and Illgauskas all expected to contribute, this team still looks like a superpower for years to come. The question is… can they exceed my expectations and win it all in year 1?

This is just an opinion …so please Pardon My Bias

Hey San Diego Chargers, do you remember LaDainian Tomlinson, one of the greatest running backs in history? Oh yeah, remember how you let him go this past off-season because you thought he had nothing left in the tank? Yeah well I guess you all were wrong! Tomlinson is rejuvenated and ready to kick some butt on the football field. In his first 3 games with the New York Jets, LT has averaged 5.6 yards per carry and scored 1 touchdown. It was obvious that his numbers would take a hit as he transformed to a backup role, but LT has proven that he still has it in him.

I was always against the decision to let go of LT and truly believed that the issue was the system not him as a player. If you take a look at the Charger running back stats from last season, there was nothing pretty to look at. Tomlinson, Darren Sproles and Micheal Bennett all had dismal yards per carry averages. This obviously signifies that it was not the back but rather the system set up by Norv Turner and the poor blocking by the offensive line. Ever since Norv Turner arrived, the Chargers have taken a pass first identity. Although this has helped Philip Rivers become one of the best quarterbacks in the league, it helped lead to the drop-off of LaDainian Tomlinson.

http://assets.nydailynews.com/

Now LT is a New York Jet and is thriving under their offensive scheme, even though he is only averaging around 12 carries a game. He is actually averaging more carries per game than starter Shonn Greene, who is averaging 10 carries per game and has a yards per carry average of only 3.5 yards. I am not saying that Ryan Matthews is not a great pick up for the Chargers, although his injury has kept him from playing much, but rather stating that Tomlinson is not as old as they thought he was. LT is still an impact player and although he may not be having 1,500+ yard seasons, he can still help a team succeed and will always be a threat to the defense. Although he is now a New York Jet, he is “charged” up and ready to run you over!

This is just an opinion so please…Pardon My Bias

The newly revamped Miami Heat will be one of the many storylines of this compelling NBA season

LOS ANGELES, CA

Training camp for the NBA teams opens on Monday September 27 and not a moment too soon. It has seemed like forever since the season just concluded. With one of the most intense off-seasons in recent history setting the stage for a crazy season full of story lines, here’s my list of reasons why I can’t wait until October 27, 2010.

1. LBJ,  Wade, and Bosh in Miami and just how it is going to look on the court. The possibility of drama between the three, whether Eric Spoelstra survives, the alley-oops, the new Miami Heat bandwagons, incredible on-court talent, who takes the last shot and much more

2. To see Yao Ming’s return to the court and to unlock the mystery of how good the Houston Rockets can be…

3. To find out where Carmelo Anthony will be playing…

4. To see if the Cavs can somehow shock the world and make the playoffs in 2011? Secretly I want to see them make the 8th seed and play the Heat (wow!!)

5. To see Delonte West and Shaquille O’Neal and how they will impact the personalities of the Boston Celtics

6. To see how far of a leap Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder can take in the West.

7. To see how much  more outrageous and sometimes legit stuff Charles Barkley will say…

8. To read more Bill Simmons’ ESPN.com columns

9. To hear Mark Jackson say “mama there goes that man!”

10. To hear Jeff Van Gundy get overly critical and tell it like it is everytime on ABC/ESPN.

11. To hear Marv Albert and Kevin Harlan deliver their classic lines… “Yes!” “Serving up a facial…” “<random player> with no regard for human life”, “Right between the eyes!!!!”.

12. To see whether Shaq is really “motivated” to win a 5th ring.

13. To see more of Craig Sager’s ugly suits and Ron Artest’s funny/strange personality

14. To watch Boston play Miami (Delonte vs. LeBron), old Big 3 vs. new Big 3

15. To see if the Bulls can somehow crash Miami’s party in the East.

16. To see if the Knicks can do anything whatsoever

17. To watch young teams on the rise like the Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors and if they can make leaps in their development.

18. To see the John Wall dance and if President Obama will do it or not.

19. To see someone piss DeMarcus Cousins off and then get destroyed by him.

20. To hear Russian billionaire and New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov talk about basketball and “get rid of” any employees that aren’t with the program… and to see if he can find his million dollar yacht

21. To see if Amar’e Stoudemire can prove all the critics wrong and be a star without Steve Nash.

22. To hope to see Kobe Bryant and LeBron James go head to head in the NBA Finals and not get disappointed again.

23. To see whether Mike Breen can come up with something besides “PUTS IT IN” and “BANG”… I mean come on, how unoriginal can you be.

24. To see if Andrew Bynum can ever put it together and stay healthy for one season.

25. To see when Phil Jackson will start taking jabs at players and teams aka playing “mind games”… and watch how the media and all the idiot fans believe that his crap actually has a true effect.

26. To see how much the Boston Celtics will care about the regular season

27. To see if LeBron has any fire in his eyes after all the hate this offseason.

28. To watch the Cavs play the Heat regular season game at the Q.

29. To see the Lakers/Celtics/Heat vs. the field.

28. To see how bad it will get for David Kahn and the T-Wolves.

29. To see what the fallout will be from the Chris Paul trade rumors and how much longer he will be a Hornet

30. To see the likelihood of not having a 2011-2012 season which coupled with a lockout in the NFL may ruin my life for that whole year.

31. To see how much KG and Duncan have left in the tank…

32. To find out how overpaid Rudy Gay and Joe Johnson truly are…

33. To see if Dwight Howard truly has developed any real low-post moves that he can carry the Magic with after being so disappointing in last year’s playoffs.

34. To see if Baron Davis will be actually motivated.

35. To see if the Shaq/Kobe feud is truly re-ignited again.

36. To see a tight race for the last few playoffs spots in the West and the East for the rights to get destroyed in the 1st round.

37. To see more stars get frustrated with their situations and demand quietly or publicly for change or trades (Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Brandon Roy, etc. etc.)

38. To see if everyone will label Greg Oden a bust due to his injuries.

39. To see amazing drama, last second shots, intense defense, ridiculous crossovers, alley-oops, facial dunks and impossible comeback wins and crazy competition.

I can’t wait!!!

This is just an opinion so please … Pardon My Bias

Here are some thoughts regarding this past week of NFL football.

San Francisco 49ers: This team is the biggest disappointment of the 2010 NFL season. They were supposed to beat teams like the Seahawks and the Chiefs with relative ease en route to the NFC West Division Title. Instead they were embarrassed by during both of these road games and its left them with an 0-3 record. Something had to change offensively and in the end the 49ers fired offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye. Hopefully the newly appointed offensive coordinator and former quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson, who has spent a year studying the spread formation, can help change this offense up and make them a little more unpredictable.  There is no coach that knows Alex Smith better and if Johnson can’t help Ales, then I’m not sure anyone can. The 49ers have hit desperation mode and their schedule isn’t sparing them as they travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons who are flying high after knocking off the New Orleans Saints in overtime in week 4. The 49ers need to avoid an 0-4 start at all costs. The Bottom Line: If the switch to Mike Johnson doesn’t help Alex Smith and this offense, then it may be time to officially move on to a different QB.

Cutler has the Bears surprising everyone. Picture courtesy of dailyme.com

Chicago Bears: The Bears are for real folks. They are now sitting at 3-0 after defeating their bitter rival, the Green Bay Packers, on Monday Night Football. I have talked about the Bears and their Mike Martz offense led by Jay Cutler- who by the way looks like 2008 Jay Cutler rather than 2009 Jay Cutler- but what I failed to recognize is the impressive Bears defense coached by Rod Marinelli. His enthusiasm for defense has reinvigorated Brian Urlacher and the rest of the defense. The secondary is full of players who don’t miss tackles and the linebacking core led by Urlacher and Lance Briggs is as good as ever. And you can’t forget about Julius Peppers up front putting pressure on every opposing QB so far. Both the defense and the offense have been clicking on all cylinders and that is why they are still undefeated. The Bottom Line: After that eye opening win against the Packers I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bears won the NFC North.

This is just an opinion…so please Pardon My Bias.

It seems as if the NL West teams want to make the end of the MLB regular season interesting. Although the Colorado Rockies are falling behind and are now 4.5 games behind 1st place, the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants do not seem to want full rights to that first place position. One day the Padres will be in first place, and then the next day it’s the Giants. This may just come down to the final game of the season. The Padres and Giants play each other for their final three games, a series which most likely will determine who takes the NL West. Both teams are struggling to find any offense and are happy to get those blue moon games in which they score over 6-7 runs. Both have pitched well, with the Giants going on a 18 games streak of allowing no more than 3 runs.

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/

Those last three games are going to be crucial, and it may just go to the team that can pull out the most runs. Both teams are solid pitching wise, although San Diego starters have been somewhat rocky as of recent. If lucky, the second place team may just get in to the playoffs through the wild-card. Currently the Padres lead the wild-card standings by half a game over the Atlanta Braves, but that too is to tight to assume. They simply cannot take any chances and need to secure the first place in the NL West. After such a shocking season, it would be disappointing to see the Padres fall short. It is as if they just ran out of gas and are pushing themselves to finally get to the finish line.

Who do you have as the surviving first place team? Personally, I am rooting for the Padres but am extremely nervous, especially after seeing starters such as Mat Latos struggle.

This is just an opinion…so please Pardon My Bias.

Here are some of my thoughts following week 4 of the NCAA college football season.

Alabama Crimson Tide: Game 1 of the 3 game gauntlet is done and the Crimson Tide are still undefeated. That was an absolute horrid first half by the Tide. But they came back out in the second half and gave the ball to their dynamic backfield and the Razorbacks had no answer for Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. Ingram and Richardson ran through and past the Hogs’ defense en route to 411 total yards  and 3 TDs. Ingram and Richardson are arguably the two best running backs in all of college football and they are on the same team: a scary thought for all opposing defenses. After giving up 17 points and over 280 passing yards in the first half, the young Alabama defense stepped up in the 2nd half and allowed only 3 pts and less than 100 passing yards while picking off 2 of Ryan Mallet’s passes. The Crimson Tide played good old smash mouth football to escape Fayetteville with a 24-20 victory over #10 Arkansas. Next up #7 Florida (beat Kentucky) in week 5 followed by #19 South Carolina (who lost to #17 Auburn) in week 6. The Bottom Line: If Alabama beats Florida next week, they could run the table and enter their 2nd straight National Championship game.

Richardson (left) and Ingram (right) are running the Crimson Tide to another National Championship game. Picture courtesy of ESPN.

Boise State Broncos: I hate to say it (not really), but I was NOT impressed by the Broncos against now unranked Oregon State. The Beavers seemed to be in the game the entire second half. Up 24-10 at the half,  Boise St. failed to put their foot on the Beavers’ neck and make it a blowout. While Moore and Pettis were impressive in the first half, they failed to make a huge impact in the 2nd half and the Boise St. team seemed to go on cruise control in the second half. They need to get that killer instinct and beat opposition to a pulp if they want to get into the National Championship game. The Bottom Line: Boise State is over-ranked, I would like to see them  play a schedule like Alabama’s and finish 8-4 at best.

Texas Longhorns: The Longhorns were absolutely manhandled by the Bruins in Texas.  The Bruins were able to exploit the Longhorns weaknesses (lack of running game especially) and they just ran away with this game. After the Longhorns grabbed a 3-0 lead, the Bruins scored the next 20 points and even led 27-6 until late in the 4th quarter. Following this embarrassing loss at home, the Longhorns dropped pretty far down the rankings to 21. And with a game against #8 Oklahoma and against #6 Nebraska on Oct 16th the Longhorns have a lot to work on to get back on track. If the Longhorns play another game like this I expect them drop completely out of the top 25. The Bottom Line: Texas is definitely in trouble, Mack Brown should stop worrying about Vince Young’s case for the 2005 Heisman and worry more about his current team floundering.

He can't be too happy with the way things are going right now. Picture courtesy of Sports Illustrated.

This is just an opinion…so please Pardon My Bias.

A lot of things happen in sports that really make me question stuff. A lot of things happen in sports that really piss me off as well. There’s just a lot of things, that make me say, “Man, are you serious?”

The NBA offseason just added a few more sparks to what have been fireworks all summer. Trade talk of Carmelo Anthony being traded to the New Jersey Nets have heated up and is pending on Melo signing an extension with New Jersey. We got another superstar moving to the East? “Man, are you serious?” I’m sure if the Nets are able to sign Melo, the next guy they would try to acquire is Chris Paul next summer to make another powerhouse.

Bynum will be out till November, photo courtesy of http://with-malice.com

News came out that Andrew Bynum will not be ready for training camp because he delayed his surgery by a month. A lot of Lakers fans are freaking out because Bynum won’t be ready. They are comparing him to Kobe, saying that Kobe would do anything to be ready for the season. “Man, are you serious?” Andrew Bynum is not Kobe Bryant. Newsflash: there is no one else in the league that is like Kobe Bryant. No one has the will and determination to win that Kobe does. He is the most competitive player in the league, and to compare Bynum to him is ridiculous. Bynum will be ready for when it matters like Phil Jackson said – in May and June. Calm down folks, the Lakers played without Bynum plenty of times and they will manage.

The NBA will roll out a tougher technical policy again this year like they did in 2005-06. If you thought the old one was bad, this one is completely ludicrous. Here are the guidelines for which the refs are to use to call technical fouls:

• Players making aggressive gestures, such as air punches, anywhere on the court.

• Demonstrative disagreement, such as when a player incredulously raises his hands, or smacks his own arm to demonstrate how he was fouled.

• Running directly at an official to complain about a call.

• Excessive inquiries about a call, even in a civilized tone.

“Man, are you serious?” Good thing Rasheed retired, because he wouldn’t even be able to step on the floor without getting T’d up. This is ridiculous; I hope the refs ditch this policy after like 5 games like they did in 05-06. You can’t take the emotion out of the game without ruining the game. I’d hate to see a close game decided by the officials calling T’s because the players are emotional. The system as is works, so don’t try to fix it.

The Jets got themselves into some more non-football related headlines when Braylon Edwards was pulled over early Tuesday morning and blew a 0.16 on the breathalyzer. Three other players were in the car with him. “Man, are you serious?” If the whole Azteca reporter controversy wasn’t enough, the Jets go and screw up again. Rex Ryan has himself one controversial team, which likes to eat Big Macs before they hit the field in a scrimmage. Looks like the Hard Knocks spotlight is getting to some these guys, and they need to get their act together.

1. New Orleans Saints (2-0)

Last Week Ranking: 1

Saints showed they still got the late game magic winning a big one on Monday Night against a hungry Niners team.

Clay Matthews has 6 sacks, photo courtesy of bleacherreport.com

2. Green Bay Packers (2-0)

Last Week Ranking: 3

It looks like this division is the Packer’s to lose. Clay Matthews is a stud on defense already racking up 6 sacks. The Pack are putting up big points.

3. Houston Texans (2-0)

Last Week Ranking: 6

The Texans forced me to put them here. They pulled out an amazing win, with some shenanigans from Gary Kubiak on the timeout call. But a win is a win. How ‘bout them cowboys – no scratch that – how ‘bout them Texans!

4. Indianapolis Colts (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 7

Indy took care of business Sunday night and finally looked like the Colts again. Freeny and Matthis were nasty all night not giving Eli any time in the pocket.

Polamalu is creatving havoc on defense, photo courtesy of http://fantasyknuckleheads.com

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0)

Last Week Ranking: 10

Do the Steelers even need a quarterback? I think the defense would be ready to go all 60 minutes. Let’s see how much water the Steelers can keep treading without Ben.

6. New York Jets (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 7

Guess “Sanchize” can throw which answered a big concern of mine. Big division win for the Jets, one that can carry some momentum.

7. New England Patriots (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 4

New England definitely got a tough draw to open the season with their first two games against playoff teams. The road loss hurts because it favors the argument that the Pats can’t win on the road after last year’s 2-6 road record.

8. Miami Dolphins (2-0)

Last Week Ranking: 17

Surprised to see the fish up here? Yeah, you should be, but they earned it. A big road win in Minnesota got them here. The Dolphins are trying to make a run for the division a la 2008.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 19

It was a nice recovery for a team that chastised last week for putting up all out fluke job against the Pats. You have to win division games at home to win the AFC North.

10. Baltimore Ravens (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 2

The NFL didn’t do the Ravens any favors by giving them two road games against playoff teams to start the season. Joe Flacco looked terrible for the first time, and I think they can write this loss off on him just having a bad day at the office.

11. San Diego Chargers (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 13

The Chargers took care of business the way they should have. Too bad they didn’t do that week 1.

12. Chicago Bears (2-0)

Last Week Ranking: 24

I had to move the Bears up after they started the season 2-0. The Bears got the job done going into Dallas and taking care of business. The Mike Martz offense had some bright spots.

13. Atlanta Falcons (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 15

The Falcons have a real concern with Michael Turner and his health on their hands. Next week’s matchup with the Saints is a crucial one because game 2 against New Orleans comes in week 16.

14. Tampa Buccaneers (2-0)

Last Week Ranking: 29

I am impressed with the win in Carolina. The Bucs are buying into Josh Freeman and he’s making them look good. Freeman looks like a young Rothlisbeger.

15. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)

Last Week Ranking: 23

The Chiefs got a road win they needed in Cleveland to keep building the momentum from the week 1 victory against San Diego. Next week is a big home game against the Niners.

16. Washington Redskins (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 11

The Redskins played well until they just had a collapse. I like what I saw from McNabb and the offense, but the defense has to pick it up. Lucky for them, the rest of the division isn’t any better.

17. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 18

Whether you want to admit it or not, Vick looks good. He should be the starter if the Eagles are serious about winning this division.

18. Tennessee Titans (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 8

I was hesitant to give the Titans as much credit as I did last week because I saw their stock dropping in the near forecast just because of the inconsistency of Vince Young. Fisher isn’t going to sit there and let you screw up again and again.

19. San Francisco 49ers (0-2)

Last Week Ranking: 20

I’m going to say it right now – if the Niners don’t win in Kansas City next week, they have a serious problem on their hands. Not too many must win week 3 games, but if I’ve ever seen one, its next week for San Fran. Only reason they didn’t drop this week was because they really almost beat the defending champs.

20. New York Giants (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 12

The Giants got jacked up by big Manning. That O-line has to give Eli more time in the pocket if they want to win games.

21. Denver Broncos (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 27

Beating a team who’s riding a big win in the previous week at home is always a positive sign.

22. Arizona Cardinals (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 22

Kart Warner…PLEASE COME BACK!!

23. Dallas Cowboys (0-2)

Last Week Ranking: 14

The Cowboys look bad, really bad. Only positive is Ware who is tearing it up.

24. Minnesota Vikings  (0-2)

Last Week Ranking: 5

Favre needs to be looking at AARP brochures instead of playbooks. I’m going to start the campaign right here, right now: “BRING IN T-JACK!!”

25. Oakland Raiders (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 26

Ugly win against St. Louis but Raiders Nation will take it.

26. Seattle Seahawks (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 16

I’d love to see the current USC team play the Seahawks since they can’t go to a bowl game.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)

Last Week Ranking: 21

Surgeon General Warning on David Gerrard still in full effect.

28. Detroit Lions (0-2)

Last Week Ranking: 28

I’m cheering for you Detroit, I’m cheering for you. Another close loss.

29. Carolina Panthers (0-2)

Last Week Ranking: 25

Carolina had a disappointing loss to the Bucs and next week play the Bengals. Write them in for 0-3.

30. St. Louis Rams (0-2)

Last Week Ranking: 30

Rams are still competing. I like Bradford, he looks like he can develop into something special.

31. Buffalo Bills (0-2)

Last Week Ranking: 31

The Bills O-line got drilled by Clay Matthews all day long. It got ugly.

32. Cleveland Browns (0-2)

Last Week Ranking: 32

I can’t even muster up something positive to say about the Browns.